Kelsey Daykin, Moda Magazine
During my time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mia Hanekamp founded Moda Magazine, the school's first and only life and style publication. I remember going to the very first UW Fashion Week and covering the event for CollegeFashionista. It was so exciting to be a part of it back then, so I was thrilled to have been invited to the Finale Fashion Show and return as an alum. The talent of these college students is amazing, and it's cool to witness a project that they're so passionate about.
Each day this week, I'm featuring a different member of the Moda Magazine staff and recapping the fashion show. Today I'm chatting with Kelsey Daykin, Co-Creative Director of Moda. She's a senior majoring in Strategic Communication with a certificate in Digital Studies.
Check out my Q&A with Kelsey to find out more about her and Moda Magazine:
My Midwest Is Showing: What is your role at Moda Magazine, and what does it entail?
Kelsey Daykin: This is my second year as a creative director at Moda, a role I now share with Reilly Koch. Reilly, our creative team, and I direct photo shoots and produce one editorial per issue. Planning photo shoots involves a lot of Pinning and emailing! We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a variety of talented students on campus, from models and makeup artists to photographers and graphic designers. When we style looks for our editorials, we love working with local retailers and student designers too. In the spring, Reilly and I stay busy organizing and directing the Finale Fashion Show, the culmination of UW Fashion Week.
MMWIS: What was your role in UW Fashion Week?
KD: I was in charge of organizing and directing the Finale Fashion Show alongside Reilly. This involved recruiting talent for the show (student designers, local designers, retailers, models, hair and makeup artists), inviting VIPs, forming relationships with sponsors, recruiting volunteers and working with Campus Event Services to plan the setup. My favorite part of planning the fashion show is seeing sneak peeks of designers' sketches and then watching their designs come to life on the runway.
MMWIS: What's your dream job?
KD: I would love to work in a communications or creative capacity for a clothing retailer.
MMWIS: What's your hometown?
KD: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
MMWIS: Why did you choose to go to UW-Madison?
KD: When I started applying to colleges, UW-Madison was actually my last choice. I was nervous about attending a big school (and I'm not big on football). But, I realized that I could make the campus feel smaller and pursue my interests by joining a student organization like Moda. Moda gives me an outlet to express myself creatively and allows me to connect with a community of passionate people who don't give me blank stares when I gush about Céline. Being involved with Moda has been an integral part of my Wisconsin Experience, and I'm so thankful for that.
MMWIS: Favorite thing about the Midwest?
KD: I'm crazy about my hometown, Milwaukee. When I'm home I love to check out exhibits at the Calatrava, grab coffee at Alterra Colectivo on the Lake and shop in the Third Ward.
MMWIS: How does your Midwest show through your personality and/or what you do?
KD: My mom, a former food writer, trained me to love good cheese (my favorites are Pleasant Ridge Reserve and Cocoa Cardona).
Don't miss my Q&A with the other staff members of Moda Magazine:
Claire Hornacek, Deputy Editor
Reilly Koch, Co-Creative Director
Be sure to check out Moda Magazine, and stay up to date with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!